The Brisbane Courier , Saturday 26 October 1901
(Queensland)
 

DEATH OF MR. J. R. CURNOW
The Community was genuinely shocked this morning on learning of the death of Mr. J. R. Curnow, sen., solicitor, of Warwick (writes our Warwick correspondent under yesterday’s date). Though in anything but robust health for some time past, his condition was not regarded as critical. He had received a chill on Wednesday night, which confined him to his bed, and between 2.30 and 3 o’clock this morning the heart ceased to beat. Mr. Curnow was born in the village of Lelant, Cornwall (England), in 1860, and after a short experience of law in the office of the town clerk at St. Ives, came to Queensland in 1879. He entered the office of Messrs. Thompson, Havard, and Foxton, in Brisbane, afterwards becoming managing clerk and subsequently manager of the firm’s branch at Dalby. In 1885 he arrived in Warwick and entered into partnership with Mr. Owen E. C. Campbell, solicitor. Soon afterwards, however, he bought the latter’s interest, and conducted the business on his own account until early in 1899, when he took into partnership Mr. M. T. Fleming, who had served his articles in the office. Mr. Curnow was one of the best-known men of the Downs, and was possessed of many qualities that made him also a man to be genuinely admired. Some years ago he was captain of the old C Company in Warwick, and at the time of his death was on the retired list; but nothing gave him greater pleasure than to be a participant in reunions with his old comrades. Also, he had occupied for two years the master’s chair in St. George’s Masonic Lodge, and was intimately connected with many other local institutions, the race clubs especially finding in him an enthusiastic supporter. All the flags to-day are flying at half-mast, and out of respect to his memory the offices of all the solicitors in town remain closed till after the funeral, which takes place at 4 p.m. to-morrow. Sincere public sympathy is felt for Mrs. Curnow, whose health has been very indifferent for weeks past.

Contributed by Bob Bolitho